Royal of Darkness

Previously

…He paused, his eyes finally settling on me, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face before it was replaced by that infuriating smirk. “She seems… fragile, my Prince. Will she withstand the coming storm?” Valerius’s hand settled on my shoulder, a possessive gesture that spoke volumes. “She will withstand more than you can ever imagine, Silas. For she is no longer alone. And neither are you.” The unspoken threat hung in the air, heavy and potent. The pact was sealed, and the war, it seemed, had just begun.